But all three were happy to be in front of local fans at SHG’s home field, where friends and family were able to come watch them in an approximately two-hour practice.

“I’m definitely a homebody and I like to see my parents and it’s been really nice,” Lunt said. “They are here tonight and it’s special.”

Rocket connection

In high school, Lunt and Grant definitely had a connection, as the two put up big numbers to lead Rochester to Class 4A titles in 2010 and 2011. Lunt had 6,790 yards combined with 64 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions.

Grant caught 181 passes for 3,025 yards and 32 touchdowns over two seasons, including 131 catches for 2,310 yards and 23 TDs as a senior. The 2,310 yards set a state record for receiving yardage.

And though the two never played for the Rockets at SHG’s field, being back in Sangamon County was special for both, and will allow Grant to stay with his parents this weekend.

“I love to be home — a lot,” Grant said. “Just to be able to play in front of family and friends who are back from school is a great honor. I know my family loved it.”

Grant and Lunt were not in the same offensive group Friday, preventing fans from seeing if the chemistry between the two was still there.

“Everybody goes with a different quarterback and today I just didn’t get to go with him,” Grant said. “Every rep I get, I’ve just got to take advantage of it and work my way up for more reps in the future.”

Much work left

With three scrimmages left, there is still work to be done for all three players — as well as the rest of the Illini football team.

Lunt showed off his arm that made him a central Illinois must-see high school player on several attention-getting throws Friday.

“Tonight, I really thought he stepped his game up and performed,” Illinois coach Tim Beckman said of Lunt. “That one he threw down there at the end, he kind of stuck it in there. It’s good to see him play; he’s progressed over these 12 practices.”

Lunt, a former Oklahoma State freshman starting quarterback who had to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, said getting back on the field has been welcome.

“I just think it’s just confidence,” Lunt said. “Every practice, I try to work on a different thing. I gain confidence by just making plays; not trying to make the big play, but just move the ball.

“It felt forever when you’re sitting out, but once you get back on the field, it feels like you’ve been playing all the time.”

Schmidt, a walk-on defensive back, said he’s starting to get more acclimated to the defense terminology.

“When I first got here, it was like they were speaking a foreign language because I came in the fall and they had already taught the defense to everyone,” Schmidt said. “I’m sitting in these meetings completely confused.

“I’m picking it up fast through the spring. It comes a lot easier than I thought it would.”

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